Compass attachment for writing implements



NOV. 15, 1927. 1,649,353

| M KIRK COMPASS ATTACHMENT FOR WRITING IMPLEMENTS Filed A112. 27. 1926 Patented Nov. 15, 1927.

UNITED STATES LAWRENCE M. KIRK, OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

COMPASS ATTACHMENT FOR WRITING IMPLEMENTS Application filed August 27, 1926. Serial No. 131,897. 2

The present invention relates to an improvement in writing implements of a well known type whereby such implements may be employed as a compass without interference with the usual and normal function as a writing implement.

A certain widely used type of writing implement comprises a tubular barrel provided with a marking point either in the form of a lead or a pen point. If provided with a lead, the barrel contains mechanism for replenishing the point as the lead is worn away. If provided with a pen point, the barrel may contain a writing fluid with provision for feeding the fluid automatically to the point.

The objectof the present invention is to provide a relatively simple and inconspicuous attachment for writing implements of this character which enables the implement to be employed as a compass when so desired without interfering in any manner with the use of the implement for writing or similar purposes.

With this object in view the features of the invention consist in certain novel features of construction, combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and claimed. the advantages of which will'be obvious to those skilled in the art from the following description.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating the preferred form of the invention, Fig. 1 represents an elevation of a pencil embodying the features of the invention with the compass attachment in inoperative position and Fig. 2 shows a view similar to Fig. 1 with the compass attachment open in operative position.

The writing implement shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a tubular barrel 10 of usual form having a tapered end portion 12 from which projects a marking lead 14. This lead is replenished by mechanism contained in the inside of the barrel and operated from the rotatable head 16. This barrel. as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, may be of metallic or non-metallic construction, as desired. For writing purposes, the outer portionof the barrel should have a relatively smooth, unbroken exterior and should be of such a size that it can be firmly grasped by the fingers of the operator.

According to the present invention, this type of writing implement is provided with the exterior surface of the tubular barrel in such a position that it does not interfere with the manipulation of the pencil. Furthermore the compass attachment when not in use is inconspicuous and does not substantially alter the usual and ordinary appearance of the pencil. To this end, the tubular barrel is provided with a comparativelyshallow longitudinal slot 18, within which is located a compass leg 20. The compass leg is hinged at 22 upon a supporting band 2%. which is located within a circumferential slot 26 formed in the upper portion of the barrel beneath the head. The lower end of the compass leg is slightly inclined at 28 to cause the leg to lie closely within the slot throughout its entire length. The pivot 22 connecting the compass leg to the band is preferably so designed that the leg is retained in any angular position by friction, causing the spread of the compass when in use to remain the same. In the preferred form of the invention as illustrated, the rotation of the supporting band 24 causes a slight rotation of the band causes the leg to be bodilv moved lengthwise of the barrel; When in an inoperative position with the leg position in the slot 18, the point of the compass leg is withdrawn above the pencil point so that it doesnot interfere with the normal function of the pencil. When the compass leg is swung outwardly from the slot and the band turned through a partial revolution, the point of the leg is moved downwardly to a position in alignment with the pencil point. as indicated more particularly in Fig. 2. If so desired. the removal of the compass leg from within the slot may be facilitated through the formation of a curved recess 34 in the barrel to enable a grip to be obtained upon the leg.

While the diflerent features of the invention have been described in their preferred forms. it is to be understood that they may be embodied in other forms within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

1. A compass attachment for writing implements comprising a tubular barrel provided with a longitudinal slot in the exterior, a writing point at the lower end of the barrel, a compass leg lying closely within the slot when in an inoperative position, and supporting means hingedly connected to the compass leg at the upper end and adapted to depress the compass leg lengthwise of the barrel upon a displacement of the support and compass leg circumterentially of the barrel.

2. A compass attachment for writing imlying closely in the slot, a band rotatably supported upon the upper end of the barrel, a hinged connection between the band and compass leg, and connections between the band and barrel for causing a downward movement of the band upon circumferential displacement of the band and compass leg with relation to the containing slot.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

LAWRENCE M. KIRK. 

